Going through a divorce can throw your whole life into question which means there’s no better time to pack your bags and escape for a while. But where to?
One of the best times to take a trip is after a divorce. Travelling to a new place will help you forget about the past, try something new and meet new people. All you need now are some recommendations for the best places to travel to.
Once you’ve dealt with your divorce solicitor in Manchester, London or wherever you live, the practical stuff is over with. Now, it’s time to begin the next chapter of your life!
In this post, we’re going to tell you why travelling after a divorce is a good idea. We’ll then list the best places to travel to, dependent on the type of trip you’re looking to take. So, for some wanderlust inspiration, read on…
Why Taking a Trip After a Divorce is a Good Idea
After your divorce, you’re likely feeling weighed down by all the problems that went on in your marriage. What’s more, your recent happy memories will be ones you shared with your partner, and it’s high time you made some new ones.
So, instead of living in the past, you can take time to find yourself and discover who you are as a single person. This voyage of self-discovery and soul-searching may even enrich aspects of your life back home, such as your career, hobbies, personal values and relationships.
Speaking of relationships, travelling allows you to make new friends and foster relationships with new people. Depending on where you go, these people might be completely different from those you know back home, and give you a whole new perspective on the world.
Also, when people get divorced, they often find out who their true friends are. Some friends side with one partner and others with the other, so you probably have a few openings for new friendships.
On top of that, it’s nice to make friends who know nothing about your divorce, have never met your ex, and wont pity you for being single again. So, let’s go – eat, pray, love style.
Best Places to Travel to After a Divorce
Now that we have an idea of why travelling might help you get over your divorce, it’s time to share the best places to travel to. We’re going to split the locations into three categories so you can decide which type of trip suits you best. You can choose from remote locations, places to find yourself, and places to make friends…
Remote Locations
If you’re mostly looking to get away from everything, use this time for self-reflection, and to not run into too many people, then these are the best places to travel to:
1. Faroe Islands, Denmark
The Faroe Islands aren’t a hugely popular travel destination which makes them perfect for avoiding other tourists. They’re not too far from Scotland so they’re easy to travel to if you live in the UK.
The heritage of the island is traditionally Nordic, but it borrows parts of Germanic, Icelandic and Scottish culture. You’re more likely to run into the island’s extensive wildlife than its human residents, with 50,000 animals including puffins, sheep, whales, seal and cows living there.
2. Foula, Shetland Islands
Foula is one of Britain’s most remote inhabited islands and has been described as ‘the edge of the world’. Although tricky to get to, once you’re there, you’re met with spectacular views, rich historical heritage, and fresh sea air that makes you feel like you’re the only one there.
Also, if you’re looking to travel to a place that does things differently, they still celebrate Christmas on 6th January and New Years a week later.
3. Montserrat, Caribbean
Montserrat is nicknamed the ‘Emerald Isle of the Caribbean’ due to its Irish ancestry and resemblance to Ireland itself. It used to be a huge tourist destination back in the 70s, with celebrities such as Paul McCartney, Elton John and Black Sabbath visiting it.
These days tourists are less inclined to travel there, and the island’s beaches, forests and volcanic eruption site are empty. If you’re looking for a beautiful location with tranquillity at its core, this is the one for you.
Places to Find Yourself
If you’re not happy going to a remote island and accidentally finding yourself through tranquillity and introspection, there are other places that can actively guide you. If you need that extra push, these are the best places to go:
1. Bali, Indonesia
Bali is one of those places that changes the lives of everyone who goes there. You can travel to Kuta, where other tourists will be, Canggu if you want to hang with cool surfers, or Ubud if you’re looking for a more spiritual adventure.
You can grab a scooter and explore each of these areas on your own terms. You can start off in Kuta to meet other tourists, then drive down to Canggu to grab a beer and watch the sunset on the beach. Finally, you can spend some time in Ubud to experience the lush green rice terraces and absorb some teachings from the Balinese faith.
2. The Appalachain Trail, USA
If you really want to invoke a life changing experience, and you don’t mind a little exercise, you could hike the Appalachian Trail. The trail is 3,500 km long, takes six months to cross and passes through 14 states.
You’ll live with the bare necessities, carry a tent on your back, and you’ll meet fellow travellers on the trail with the same goal as you; to find themselves. You can even hike some of the way with these fellow travellers and make some new friends while you’re at it.
3. Meditation Retreats, India
This couldn’t be a list of places to find yourself if it didn’t include India. Unlike the relaxing remote places listed above, the meditation retreats in India are no joke.
Some of them, such as the Vipasana Meditation Retreat, require you to meditate every day for up to 11 hours with the first one starting in the middle of the night. You’re not given much food, you’re not allowed to speak, and you have to spend hours in the same position.
One of the best ways to find yourself is to overcome an enormous challenge and show that you can do anything if you put your mind to it.
Places to Meet New People
If you’re looking for somewhere to meet new people and form fresh social connections, these are the best places to travel for that:
1. Buenos Aires, Argentina
One of the friendliest cities in South America, Buenos Aires, is filled with culture and laid-back locals who are happy to share their city with tourists.
Whether you’re into sharing a meal with tourists and locals, or going to a club, this city always has something going on to captivate you. If you try something a little out of your comfort zone, you’re bound to make new friends along the way.
2. Galway, Ireland
Galway is a favourite of travellers looking for friendliness and good hospitality. The easiest way to make friends here is to head down to Quay street on a Friday night with its wide selection of bars and restaurants. In addition, you can also schedule day trips from Galway and prepare for an epic adventure!
Once you’re a few pints deep, the conversation will start flowing and you’re bound to make some friends for life.
3. Melbourne, Australia
The people of Melbourne are always relaxed and happy no matter what they’re doing. The city’s multi-cultural population will give you some insight into other cultures and help you make friends of all different kinds.
Coffee is a pretty big thing in Melbourne, so the best place to meet people is over a cup of coffee in one of the local shops. You can even ask the people you meet where the best local bars are, and make some more friends along the way.
If you enjoy your time in Melbourne, you could also choose to immigrate to Australia.
Should You Take a Trip to Get Over Your Divorce?
In this post, we’ve managed to give you some reasons why you should travel after your divorce, and a selection of the places to travel to based on your personal preference.
Hopefully, there’s a diverse enough selection here for you to find somewhere to change your life, make friends and learn more about yourself. If not, these ideas should at least give you a starting point for finding your perfect place to travel.
Thank you for reading this post, and good luck in this new chapter of your life.
**This is a collaborative post
